Research progress in the association between tooth loss and cognitive decline in the elderly population

China is one of the countries with the highest population aging rate in the world, and the oral health of the elderly population has become increasing significant for the realization of healthy aging. Tooth loss is considered as the marker of oral disease burden. In recent years, a growing number of findings have suggested an association between tooth loss and cognitive decline. Also, given that cognitive function plays a crucial role in oral health, future researches should elucidate their bidirectional causal relationship, based on prospective cohort design that regularly monitors tooth loss and cognitive function. This article reviews the current research threads in terms of epidemiological evidences of the association, brain structure and function, and possible bidirectional associations and mechanisms, providing a theoretical basis for promoting healthy aging.